One thing that is for certain, humans do impact the environment. What are some things you can do to make a positive impact on the environment? Take the time to carefully read the following suggestions on how you can help the environment:

Top Ten Ways We can Help the Environment:

Ride your bike or walk to your destination instead of taking an automobile. Biking or hiking is not only good for exercise, but it helps stop the pollution produced from burning gasoline, a fossil fuel. Also, if you do need to take an automobile, take public transportation (a bus, or train). If you carpool with friends, you will only be using one car not two. This will help the environment and even save you on some gas money!

Plant, don't pave! Planting trees, flowers and other plants are not only better for the environment than paving over it, but it also looks more attractive.

Reconsider the types of plants in your yard and how you care for them. Not every part of your yard needs to be filled with a mowed lawn. Consider planting shrubs or wildflowers to increase habitat and biodiversity, as well as adding some natural beauty to your backyard.

Use as little lawn fertilizer as possible. Excess fertilizer will eventually find its way into waterways, causing plants to grow too fast and choke out the rest of the aquatic life.

Consider using natural fertilizers like compost or grass clippings in your garden. This is a cheap and easy way to help your plants grow quicker and healthier, with fewer side affects.

Fix your automobile leaks. The fluids in your car, such as oil, antifreeze, etc. are very harmful to plants and animals. During a rainstorm, these fluids can find their way into the watershed, contaminating it and harming the aquatic wildlife.

Clean your driveways and sidewalks by sweeping up the trash and placing it in a trash can. Do not wash down your driveway, unless absolutely necessary. It is not grass and will not grow! When you do this, the polluted water (brake dust, car fluids, etc.) wash away to nearby water sources and eventually contaminate the entire watershed.

Make every kilowatt count! Conserving energy is easy and is good for the environment and your checkbook. The less energy you use, the less resources are needed to produce more and the less it costs you in bills! Turn off lights when they are not needed. Buy energy efficient light bulbs when an old one burns out.

The three R's: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. This is the oldest and best way to help the environment around us. Reduce how much trash you throw out. Reuse whatever you can instead of throwing it out. Recycle everything you are able to and buy goods made from recycled materials whenever possible.

Lastly, teach others to respect the environment. The more people that understand how important our environment is, the more we can all work together to save it. Back to Previous Page